Friday, March 20, 2015

J.J. DiBenedetto shows off his book, Dream Student - and it is FREE

Today is my two-year anniversary as an
author. Two years ago today, March 20, 2013, I logged onto Amazon’s
Kindle Direct Publishing system and hit “publish” on the first
four Dream Series books (DREAM STUDENT, DREAM DOCTOR, DREAM CHILD and
DREAM FAMILY).

It’s been a great ride since then; I
had no idea what to expect, and I certainly didn’t know if anyone
would want to buy the books (let alone read them and enjoy them).
260 rviews, 7,500 sales and over 70,000 free downloads later, I have
my answer. Somebody likes me. They really like me!

I’ve gotten to work with a lot of
very talented people, including a local artist who hand-painted the
original covers of the first few books, a fantastic designer who
created the new covers you can see for the books now, three great
Audible narrators who turned the first five books into audiobooks,
and “Doctor Who” star Nicola Bryant, who narrated a short story
set in the Dream Series. I never in a million years could have
imagined that I’d be working with the actress who played Peri Brown
– how cool is that?

I’ve also enjoyed the process of
writing the books, and delving ever deeper into the lives of my
heroine, Sara, and her friends and family. It all started with a
question: what would drive an ordinary person who suspected a crime
was being committed to investigate it themelves, rather than call in
the police. My answer was: if they only saw the crime in their mind,
through the eyes of the criminal, through his dreams. And Sara
sprang up, fully grown, from that idea. Eight books later, she’s
got a husband, five kids and a whole cast of friends (and enemies,
too!).

To celebrate my anniversary, I’m
giving away an ebook (or audiobook; winner’s choice) box set of my
first five books – I’ll pick a winner from the comments to this
post. And here’s a little more about the books themselves:

What
if you could see everyone else’s dreams?

Sara
Barnes has just discovered that she can. And this gift – or curse –
will lead her on an extraordinary journey.

Follow
Sara as her newfound ability leads her into adventures she never
imagined. She will hunt down a serial killer, investigate a plot to
murder one of her teachers, unravel a conspiracy between a mobster
and a corrupt politician and face off against her nemesis: a woman
who shares her talent, but uses it to destroy lives rather than save
them. And Sara will have to manage all that while finishing college,
becoming a doctor and falling in love, too.

Here
are the first five books of the Dream Series, along with bonus
material created especially for this collection. Included in this set
are DREAM STUDENT, DREAM DOCTOR, DREAM CHILD, DREAM FAMILY and WAKING
DREAM. In addition, you’ll find the short story BETTY &
HOWARD’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE starring Sara’s parents. But most of
all, when you open this box of dreams, you’ll find romance,
suspense, humor and plenty of heart…

And here’s a small excerpt (it’s
from early in book two, DREAM DOCTOR):

My eyes open, and I’m out of bed in
one swift motion. I have to call 911. Someone’s very sick, they
might be dead, they…

It was a dream. Someone else’s
dream.

Brian’s awake; he’s staring at me.
My hand is still on the phone. “What – who – are you calling
someone?”

I sit down on the bed. “I – I
guess I have to tell you, don’t I? I had a dream.”

He knows immediately what I mean.
“Who?” is all he asks.

“Dr. Morris. Well, his wife.” I
haven’t had a dream since the night before our wedding, and that
one was about Dr. Morris, too. Someone was dreaming about his
funeral. “I assume it was his wife, she must have been. She gave
him some tea, and he took one sip and - basically he dropped dead as
soon as he did.” As I tell it, I realize that I have seen
her before – sometime during orientation. Maybe at the reception
for my class that first night? It makes sense; a lot of the faculty
had their spouses there.

I can’t think about it anymore –
I’m starting to get a splitting headache. Brian takes me in his
arms. “Are you all right?” I don’t answer; I want – need -
to just sit here and be held for a while.

***

I’m still awake. I closed my eyes so
Brian would think I had fallen asleep, and that way he would go back
to sleep himself, which he did after a few minutes. I didn’t want
to keep him up all night just because I was. But now that I’m
lying here and unable to get the dream out of mind, it doesn’t seem
like such a great idea.

I thought about the dreams all during
our honeymoon; I was worried they were going to keep coming, but they
never did. I told myself the one I had must have been a fluke,
something random.

Then school started, and still nothing,
and it was completely out of my mind. Especially once I actually saw
Dr. Morris, alive and walking around just as he should be. But now,
tonight, it’s happened again. And it was about him again - twice
now I've seen Dr. Morris dead. I assume that first dream was his
wife as well, but what does it mean? Is she worried about him dying,
or does she want him dead?

For the "Young At Heart"

Below are stories for the older crowd. Historical western romances, contemporary romances, and a paranormal romance! There is also a family drama and a non-fiction on my experience with solar. Just keep scrolling down!

The Sheriff and the Miner's Daughter

Charlene arrives in Jubilee Springs with several mail order brides coming to meet their prospective husbands. When Charlene asks Jim Hawkins, the local sheriff, the whereabouts of Amos Lehman, he thinks she is a gold digger. He claims he is trying to to keep her from ruining her life by marrying a man twice her age, but when it becomes clear Amos is her father, his interest takes a different turn.

Chase's Story

Book 10 of Grandma's Wedding Quilts

Mail Order Bride - Wanted

Hannah, Bride of Iowa, Book 29 of the historic American Mail Order Bride Series

Gabe, The Thornton Trilogy, Book 1

Gabe Thornton inherits the Double Bar Ranch from good friend and neighbor Bill (Pappy) Thomas, but there are conditions. Last Will and Testament states five hundred acres have been set aside for his only niece, or interested heirs. Molly Blackburn, who knows nothing about cattle ranching, shows up to claim her inheritance. Sparks fly! Will she give up her land or will she find more than just a cattle ranch in Bastrop?

The Ornament

Twelve years ago Jim Rustle packed up and left his home in Idaho and hasn’t looked back. He gets quite an awakening when Lisa Parker, whom he hadn’t seen in all those years, breaks into a business meeting and uses some colorful adjectives to tell him just what she thinks of him. Sparks fly between the two when he decides to follow Lisa home and sees what has happened in his absence. Is the anger stemming from the present, or from the past? It’s Christmas time. Can an ornament from years past help heal betrayals that have festered for years?

Revenge, The Cowboy Way

This is a story of love, hate, and revenge. The question is, whose revenge is it?

Jesse's Find

In the middle of nowhere, Jesse Mason finds a horse, a woman and an infant. The horse is dead and the woman has been shot. Why would somebody shoot a woman with a baby? More to the point, were they still looking for her?

Jesse's Nightmare - Book Two of the Jesse Series

The snow continues to pound the Kansas plains in late March. Something is ripping apart the livestock and animals and Jesse comes home to find his wife and daughter are missing!

Jesse's Heartbreak

Jesse and Ginny Mason’s world is shattered when Amanda Hill comes to Abilene, Kansas to try and take three-year old Sarah away from them. Little Sarah’s father died before she was born and his family wants the girl to come to Pennsylvania and live with them, and they have the all the money and expertise they need to make that happen! The Hill’s can offer the little girl prominence and station in life, while all Jesse and Ginny have to give is their complete devotion. Which will the Judge choose – money or love?

Justice Comes To Saline

Black smoke billows and a whistle blares, as the steam engine pulls into Salina, Kansas, delivering the town’s new school teacher, Victoria Stone. The people of Salina are caring and do all they can to make Victoria feel welcome and her students are finding their way into her heart. Then there’s the town’s sheriff, Jim Timmons, who is getting under her skin and turning every emotion she has inside out. But the truth is, Salina didn’t pick Victoria – She picked the town of Salina. And in her bag, Victoria isn’t toting books and school supplies. There is a score to settle in Salina, Kansas, and nothing or nobody is going to deter her from putting things right.

WESTERN ROMANCES

DO YOU ENJOY HISTORICAL WESTERN ROMANCES?The Pioneer Hearts Facebook group is a wonderful place for historical western romance authors and readers to discuss their favorite stories, recipes and photos. Join the group at www.facebook.com/groups/pioneerhearts.

Blame It On The Cherry

Julie Reed and Will Parker are soul mates. All through their high school years they talked about and planned their future together. It only took one night to destroy all they had. Julie won’t listen and moves away. Was it Will that ruined their future, or did Julie not love him enough? When Will finds her again will she give him another chance or will his deception stay buried deep inside her heart?

Her Cracked Heart

A second chance for love with a ready-made family is at Stephanie Warren’s fingertips, but ghosts of the past have a strong hold. Will she turn her back on happiness or can somebody break through her shell and help heal her cracked heart?

At What Price

What will a grandmother do to protect the ones she loves?

The Unwanted Christmas Guest

Elizabeth McMurphy is an up and coming high powered attorney and is after vengence, involving one of the richest and most powerful families in Colorado. Steve York is an obnoxious reporter that thinks the ice queen has gone too far and does all he can to get under her skin. When one of the worst blizzards in history, hits CO and leaves a hurt Steve York, stranded with Elizabeth in a mountain cabin, will she must decide to either take care of him, or throw him out to fend for himself.

Dugan's Creek

A devastated Heather Stone is headed to her sister's house for some TLC after her boyfriend of 3 years breaks up with her. "I need space. There is no sizzle in our relationship!" As if things weren't bad enough, her car dies on a lonely stretch of highway and she starts walking. She's hot, thirsty, and her feet are getting blisters. A sign says Dugan's Creek. She finds soothing cold, rushing water.....and so much more! This story is NOT for the kids!

Solar - One Family's Reality

It was going to cost $100,000 to bring electricity to our property line. We decided it was a no-brainer to go green. This is our story of our trip down Solar Lane. The pros and cons, and facts and fallacies!

Fox Tots Publishing

For the "Young"

Below are books for the beginning reader to the middle grade readers. Fairy tales to fantasy to time travel adventures! I have stories for the kiddos in your lives! Just keep scrolling down!

For the Early Readers

A delightful American tale about five-year old Ethan who is in Ms. Johnson’s Kindergarten class. He is new to the school and has not made any friends. Ethan and Timmy, a boy in his class, get in a fight over a soccer ball and both boys are sent to talk to the principal, Mr. Glumb. There are stories about this principal – scary stories! Are they true? Ethan and Timmy are about to find out!

A Story For Beginning and Young Readers

Sammy Bear goes on a search for his lost tail. He meets new friends and eats some of his favorite meals along the way. Will Sammy Bear make it home with his lost tail? At the end of the story are a few of Sammy's favorite bug recipes. Enjoy them with mom and dad or fool your friends with some delicious, creepy, bug recipes.

The Wickware Sagas

Strange things happen in Miss Wickware’s seventh grade history class. Lights flash, electricity zaps throughout the classroom, radio turns on by itself! But the most puzzling is that some of the students are transported back in time and come face to face with the person or subject that they are to do a report on. When asked about these happenings, students just aren’t talking. Word on the street points to old lady Wickware, herself. Is magic involved? Is she a witch? Alien? Or just an old lady who is passionate about history? As I said, nobody’s talking.

Riches to Rags, Book 5 of the Wickware Sagas

Dylan Jones, seventh grader at Langdon Middle School lives the good life. His family has money. He gets most everything he wants. Even so, everybody likes Dylan ’cause he is a happy go lucky kid. Miss Wickware, his seventh grade history teacher, tells the class they will be studying the United States in the late 1800 for the next few weeks. Everybody will be expected to present an oral report on a subject that is drawn from a box. Dylan draws The Orphan Train. A penniless Dylan finds himself at the train station in New York in 1875 and he is as scared and unsure as the children getting ready to ride the Orphan Train. How will Dylan make it when money is nowhere to be found?

Bumped Back In Time, Book 4 of the Wickware Sagas

Sammy Brown, winner of the first junior sailing regatta for kids, ages twelve to fourteen, is walking on air Tuesday, after being absent the previous day, due to the race. Miss Wickware, her history teacher, asks Sammy to stay after class because she needs to draw a subject out of a box and give an oral report on the drawn subject. “UHG” History and Sammy are not friends, but her good mood won’t be dampened until a fall and a bump on the head sends her back to 1814. It’s her expertise in sailing that allows Francis Scott Key to rescue an imprisoned friend from a British ship that leads to a historic battle and a famous poem!

Flash to the Past, Book 3 of the Wickware Sagas

Snooty, popular, Kristy Sawyer and nerdy brainiac, Larry Peables find themselves back in the 18 Century and meet a Revolutionary War heroine, and take part in a famous battle!

Ride of a Lifetime, Book 2 of the Wickware Sagas

Seventh grader and school bully, Jim Abernathy, is less than thrilled when he draws a boring girl to do a report on. He quickly learns a touch of humility when he storms out of his history class and into 18th Century, New York, where he meets up with Sybil Ludington. She shows him exactly what bravery is!

Billy Cooper's Awesome Nightmare

Billy finds out, on a Friday afternoon, that an oral report will be due on Monday, on the subject he draws from a box. Who the heck is William Tell? He figures he will do a quick computer search on this guy and will breeze through on this assignment. All that changes when Billy meets 14th century William Tell face to face!

The Wickware Sagas

Kids of today find themselves back in time, face to face, with historical heroes

The Bearded Dude in the Puzzle

An ancient puzzle is found while cleaning an old home. As the Taylor family works on the puzzle, strange things start to happen. An evil presence is making its way to the Taylor house, intent on making sure that puzzle never gets put together, no matter the cost, and it’s up to Bobby and Andrea to make sure that it does!

Hike Up Devil's Mountain

Three boys only hope is the witch that lives on Devil's Mountain

Hike Up Devil's Mountain

When the school bully is turned into a toad, two ten year old boys must climb Devil's Mountain to find the only person who can help them. Will they survive the trip?

A Float Down the Canal

Pam Simpson gets dumped on when her mom is called into work and she has to cancel her plans to babysit her brother and his friend. The second bomb is dropped when Pam is informed her prissy cousin is also being dropped of for Pam to entertain. The worst day of her life, turns into a day she will never forget and it all starts with a float down the canal!

50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading

I was one of the chosen!!

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About Me

I worked as an elementary school secretary for twenty-one years. I retired with my wonderful husband, to a fifty-four acre ranch, which is a constant work in progress. We live on solar and wind, which has been a real adjustment! On any given evening, the stars are an awesome sight and can be seen as far as the eye can see!